Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
Maria Stein man, 84, involved in crash dies
By William Kincaid
MARIA STEIN- An 84-year-old Maria Stein milk hauler and farmer involved in a two-vehicle accident on Monday afternoon has died, according to his obituary.
Wilbert "Whitey" Hartings died Tuesday at Lima Memorial Hospital, according to his obituary submitted by Hogenkamp Funeral Home.
Hartings on Monday afternoon reportedly was driving a Kubota farm vehicle eastbound on Fort Recovery-Minster Road in Maria Stein, Mercer County Sheriff's deputy Kristen Nixon said on Monday.
Hartings reportedly was turning left into his driveway at 7549 Fort Recovery Minster Road when a Saturn Outlook driven by 18-year-old Tytus Gasper of the Ansonia area struck the Kubota while attempting to pass it, Nixon said.
The Kubota's hazard lights reportedly were on but a turn signal was not, Nixon said.
Hartings reportedly suffered a head injury, Nixon said, adding she didn't know if he had other injuries. He was transported by a Mercer County squad to Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater and then taken by Lutheran Air to a medical center, Nixon said. She did not know which medical center Hartings was taken to.
Gasper reportedly indicated he suffered no injuries, Nixon said.
No one had been cited as of Monday night as a reconstruction team continued to piece together the accident, Nixon said, noting the accident remained under investigation.
Also assisting at the scene was the Chickasaw Fire Department.
When contacted on Tuesday night, a Mercer County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said no one would be available to offer investigation updates until Wednesday morning.
Hartings, according to his obituary, is survived by his wife, Rosemary; numerous children and their spouses, 23 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and siblings.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Rose Catholic Church, St. Rose.
Calling is 2-7 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.
